WSM Featured Alumnus: Dana Leander

Dana Leander attended Winston-Salem Montessori School from Children’s House through Upper Elementary.

When asked about what she enjoyed about her time at Winston-Salem Montessori School, Dana said, “I enjoyed the loose learning style and the hands on approach to learning.”

Dana spoke on the transition from Winston-Salem Montessori School to a conventional school, “The transition from Winston-Salem Montessori to a different school was hard. I attended one school and it did not work for me and I moved to a different school. I ended up attending Salem Baptist Christian School for 8th grade through high school.” Despite the difficulties in a transition, Dana spoke on how she valued being able to have a Montessori education, “The Montessori experience impacted me the most by showing and helping me discover through mistakes and learning from those mistakes. Montessori has shown me everyone is unique in their own way.”

When asked what she wished non-Montessori students, parents and caregivers knew about Montessori, she said, “I wish non-Montessori students knew what an amazing opportunity and learning experience Montessori offers.”

She spoke on how we can best support students in their journey, “Just keep encouraging students to do their best and support them when they fall and help them get back on their feet again.”

“I would like to thank the staff for creating a positive, wonderful and unique environment for learning. One piece of advice is - don’t be afraid to fall and mess up because there are people in your life who are more than willing to help teach and guide you. Winston-Salem Montessori is a wonderful school and the people there are amazing.”

Thank you to Dana’s Montessori Guides, Ms. Chris (Children’s House), Ms. Karen and Ms. Leila (Lower Elementary), Ms. Sarah and Mr. Will (Upper Elementary).